The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) of Kenya has consistently played a pivotal role in regulating the horticultural sector to ensure both the sustainability of local production and the growth of international export markets. One of the most significant actions taken by the AFA in recent years is the enforcement of the Crops (Horticulture Crops) Regulations, 2020, which set forth guidelines designed to preserve the quality of exported fruits, particularly avocado.
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| Hass Avocado Farming in Kenya |
The
primary goal of these regulations is to ensure that only mature avocados are
harvested and exported, thus mitigating the risks associated with premature
harvesting, which can negatively affect future harvests and, by extension, the
country's avocado export volumes.
The
decision to enforce these regulations stems from the growing importance of
avocado as a key export crop for Kenya. Over the years, Kenya has built a
reputation as one of the leading suppliers of high-quality avocados,
particularly in European and Middle Eastern markets. However, as with any
agricultural export, maintaining the consistency of product quality and supply
is critical to sustaining these markets. This is where the maturity regulation
becomes especially vital, as harvesting immature fruits not only diminishes the
quality of the product but also disrupts the crop cycle, leading to decreased
yields in subsequent harvests.
Suspension
of Avocado Harvest and Export by Sea
On
October 25th, 2024, the AFA imposed a suspension on the harvest and export of
avocados by sea. This suspension was a necessary step in the broader context of
managing avocado production and ensuring that only fruits that meet maturity
standards are harvested. The authority has been actively monitoring avocado
maturity trends and patterns in the country, conducting surveys and gathering
data to make informed decisions regarding the resumption of exports.
In
late November 2024, a survey on off-season crops revealed that production
volumes at the time were insufficient to justify the lifting of the suspension.
This finding reinforced the necessity of strict enforcement of the regulations,
as exporting immature fruits would have had adverse effects on both the local
market and the country's reputation in international markets. The AFA's
commitment to preserving the integrity of the avocado export industry was
further evident in the decision to continue the suspension until the maturity
levels of the crop improved.
A
follow-up survey conducted between January 20th and 23rd, 2025, painted a more
promising picture. The survey indicated that there were sufficient volumes of
Fuerte and Pinkerton varieties in some regions, signaling that these varieties
were now ready for harvest. However, the Hass variety, one of the most commercially
significant avocado varieties for export, was still not mature enough for
harvest in the major production regions across the country. This discrepancy in
the readiness of different avocado varieties led to the decision to implement a
phased resumption of avocado exports.
Resumption
of Exports and New Guidelines for Sea and Air Shipments
Based
on the findings of the January 2025 survey, the AFA has announced a controlled
reopening of the avocado export season. Starting from Friday, February 14th,
2025, the harvest season for the Fuerte and Pinkerton varieties will be opened
for sea shipment exports. Export clearance for these varieties will be granted,
but only subject to a packhouse inspection to ensure that the fruits meet the
required quality and maturity standards.
For
the Hass variety, the situation remains more cautious. While the Hass variety
is a significant contributor to Kenya's avocado export revenues, the AFA has
determined that it is not yet ready for harvest in most major production areas.
Therefore, Hass avocados will continue to be exported by air shipment, as air
transport offers a more flexible and expedited means of getting the fruit to
international markets before it deteriorates. However, only exporters from
large, own farms or large contracted farms with sufficient volumes of mature
off-season Hass crops will be eligible for sea shipment exports. In these
cases, the export clearance for sea shipments will be subject to both farm and
packhouse inspections.
To
deter fraudulent activities and ensure compliance with the regulations, the AFA
has also emphasized the importance of accurate reporting of avocado varieties
during the export process. Exporters who attempt to misrepresent the Hass
variety as Fuerte (in an effort to bypass farm inspections) will face severe
consequences. Any exporter found engaging in this practice will have their
export license suspended for the entirety of the 2025 avocado export season.
This stern warning is indicative of the AFA's commitment to upholding the regulations
and maintaining the integrity of the Kenyan avocado export sector.
Impact
on Exporters, Importers, and Processors
The
AFA's enforcement of the Crops (Horticulture Crops) Regulations, 2020, and its
decision to control the timing and methods of avocado exportation will have a
direct impact on a wide range of stakeholders, including exporters, importers,
and processors. Exporters, particularly those involved in the sea shipment of
avocados, will need to ensure that their operations are fully aligned with the
new regulations. This will include ensuring that only mature avocados are
harvested and transported, and that proper inspections are conducted at both
the farm and packhouse levels.
Importers,
particularly those in international markets, will need to adjust to the
seasonal variations in avocado supply resulting from the suspension of sea
exports for certain varieties. While the availability of Fuerte and Pinkerton
varieties for sea shipment will offer some relief, the timing of shipments may
be more erratic due to the ongoing suspension of Hass exports by sea. For
processors, the fluctuations in avocado availability may affect their ability
to meet production targets for processed avocado products, such as oils and
purees.
Ongoing
Monitoring and Stakeholder Engagement
The
AFA has committed to continuing its monitoring efforts to assess the maturity
trends of the Hass avocado variety as the main harvest season progresses. In
addition, the authority has planned a consultative meeting with key stakeholders
to discuss the status of avocado exports and address any concerns arising from
the recent changes. Originally scheduled for January 27th, 2025, this meeting
has been postponed, and the new date will be communicated to the relevant
parties at a later time.
In
conclusion, the AFA’s enforcement of the Crops (Horticulture Crops)
Regulations, 2020, reflects the Kenyan government's commitment to sustaining
its avocado export sector while ensuring that only mature, high-quality
avocados reach international markets. By carefully managing the timing and
methods of avocado exports, the AFA aims to protect both the long-term health
of the avocado industry and the reputation of Kenyan exports globally. Through
continued monitoring and engagement with stakeholders, the authority will
ensure that Kenya remains a competitive player in the global avocado market,
safeguarding its status as a key supplier of this high-demand fruit.
Contact
us at 0724698357/0723213602 for your certified and high quality Hass avocado
seedlings.
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